Where I’m From #7

By Alexis Donkin

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

I am from freshly inked paper

From acrylic coated canvas and natural bristle brushes, Lowden guitars and Audix microphones.

I am from skylights flooding into stained glass

Dappling floors and walls with manipulated light, refined and separated, only to pool onto quilts in chaos.

I am from rotting leaves

Mingled with slender needles

Red with rust, returning to the earth, with every underfoot crunch of cool autumn.

I’m from chapters after advent dinners, and dark waves

From Sharp and Stewart

China settings and day trip adventures

From “we need you to do this,” and “we expect better.”

I’m from early mornings, revering daises supporting thrones, where dark robes held books heavier than the paper they bind, edified by thundering organs playing century-old melodies.

I’m from the birthplace of a nation, a line walked between Gaul and taiga

Taking pride in savory sauces that elevate every entree, followed by such addictive desserts, guests wrap more in napkins for the ride home.

I am from a great grandmother singing to peeps all night in a rocking chair,

And another chasing bitterness with Southern Comfort, in a land of black and gold.

Our captured moments lay scattered in albums in a crawl space, plastic totes collecting dust, SD cards, and laptop memories of people we once were.

Volumes upon volumes of my hand-scripted narration, tells a story otherwise shrouded.

I could pretend it was something else, but I won’t.

Where to find Alexis:

Website: https://alexisdonkin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexis.donkin/

Where to find Alyson:

Website: https://www.alysonshelton.com

Substack: https://whereimfrom.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byalysonshelton/